Harare, (New Ziana) – Following the rise in complaints from residents about disturbances in their neighborhoods, the Harare City Council will soon clampdown on entertainment venues and event organizers responsible for excessive noise.

This emerged during an ordinary council meeting held at Town House on Tuesday.

“We must protect our residents’ right to peace and quiet, especially during the night,” said Harare mayor Jacob Mafume.

“While we understand the need for entertainment, it must not come at the expense of the community’s well-being,” adding the council is now taking a firmer stance on enforcing noise regulations under existing city by-laws.

The move comes as residential areas increasingly report sleepless nights, disrupted rest, and increased stress due to loud music and parties from nearby venues.

Ward 17 councillor Happymore Gotora, who chairs the council’s Standing Committee on Information and Publicity, raised the motion during the meeting, saying residents were fed up with the non-stop noise.

“People are complaining. They are tired of loud music blaring into the early hours. We cannot ignore this any longer,” he said.

“Council must act, and we are now giving enforcement teams a clear mandate.”

As part of immediate recommendations, the council urged event organizers to consider relocating large functions to non-residential venues such as the City Sports Centre.

“We are not against entertainment,” Mafume said, “but we believe it should happen in suitable places that do not disturb families and children trying to rest at night.”

The council is also exploring long-term solutions, such as establishing designated entertainment zones, enforcing curfews, and encouraging the use of soundproofing and noise-limiting technology.

“Noise pollution is not just a nuisance,” said Gotora. “It affects health, productivity, and even property values. We want Harare to be a livable city for everyone.”

Council also called for greater awareness among venue owners about noise laws and will engage them in crafting noise management plans.

New Ziana